2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid

We like the Ford Fusion Hybrid -- a lot. So much so that it and the rest of the Fusion stable were dubbed MT's 2010 Car of the Year. It didn't take a Ford engineer to figure out that it wouldn't be long before Lincoln would come looking for a version of its own for its showrooms. Enter stage left, the 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, which is making its big debut in the Big Apple.The MKZ Hybrid will be Lincoln's first hybrid when it hits showrooms this fall. It's essentially a Fusion Hybrid with Lincoln luxury appointments and exterior style. Its parallel hybrid powertrain -- a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle I-4 hybrid engine that works in concert with an electric motor to produce 191 net horsepower -- is unchanged from the Fusion version. Also like the Fusion Hybrid, the MKZ is capable of running under electric power up to 47 mph and has that magical 41 mpg city EPA number to hype.After scouring the press release, we were able to find one small difference between the two hybrids: SmartGauge with EcoGuide has been updated slightly for the MKZ. Lincoln says SmartGauge has been "taken to the next level of engagement" by giving drivers more feedback on long-term fuel efficiency and performance. Oh, and Lincoln's version uses white flowers inspired by apple blossoms. Pretty!
Another feature specific to the MKZ Hybrid is its standard Bridge of Weir leather seats. The Scottish luxury leather is unembossed, which Lincoln says allows for a more natural grain to come through, and its chromium-free tanning process reportedly makes it easier to recycle.The MKZ Hybrid is also endowed with all the latest in Lincoln standard luxury touches, including Lincoln's version of Sync, heated and cooled seats with 10-way power passenger seat, real wood trim (that of course comes from eco-friendly managed forests), a reverse sensing system and Lincoln's Personal Safety System -- a suite of seven safety technologies.The main bogey for the MKZ Hybrid is the Lexus HS 250h, and Lincoln has come out with guns blazing, pushing the Lincoln's better fuel economy, and the fact that it has more standard luxury, technology and safety features than the Lexus. Of course, the only problem is that the Lexus is on sale now.

Flowers? Blossoms? could that be any gayer. If that feature is not able to be turned off by the owner, it will kill sales. mark my words.oh, and...organic leather? cmon. An electric car is gay enough already, now flowers and organic leather? does it come in Fuchsia?

This is one of those "Why not?" cars. Ford already builds two of this same thing, so a luxo version can only expand on what they have now. Plus it helps with the new emmissions regulations. It does look very nice though.

Nice. For a midsize Hybrid with 41 mpg city EPA is pretty good...and the price is? Also, I am wondering if the battery used in MKZ comes from the same company as the one used in Lexus HS. That would be interesting if that's the case.Just out of curiosity, anybody knows who the main battery suppliers are for most of the hybrid vehicles out there? If I am not mistaken, Panasonic makes battery for the hybrids as well, correct?